Witnesses to a knifepoint street robbery are being urged to come forward.

The victim was thrown to the ground and threatened with the blade as he walked close to one of Cardiff's busiest roads.

While he lay on the pavement, and the robbers rooted through his pockets, two men walked by within minutes of each other.

Detective Constable Darren John from Cathays CID said: 'The victim ran after one of the witnesses to explain what had happened but unfortunately they could not exchange details because he did not seem to understand English.

'We think the witness might have been Polish and we would appeal to members of the Polish community in Cardiff to speak among themselves to establish who this witness is and ask him to come forward. He might be someone's flat-mate or colleague.'

The robbery happened at about 7.30pm in Oakfield Street, off Newport Road, Roath, on Tuesday, October 25.

There has been a spate of robberies in Roath and Cathays recently.

In some cases a knife has been used to threaten the victims who have almost always been lone men.

In the Oakfield Street incident the two robbers - one described as Asian and the other as white - stole a mobile phone and cigarette lighter.

Both were clean shaven, wearing hooded tops, and in their late teens.

DC John added: 'Thankfully because they were disturbed they didn't steal his wallet.

'I would like to reassure the public that the recent robberies are all being investigated.

'But we are very keen to speak to these witnesses as soon as possible.'